Norristown Area School District posts letter warning of suspicious vehicles

NORRISTOWN — Officials at Stewart Middle School warned students and parents this week that suspicious vehicles were seen in the vicinity of the school at four street locations on Monday.

The warning was contained in a letter to parents that was posted on the school’s website and distributed to parents on Wednesday.

“The letter was sent home on Wednesday in the communications folder,” said Principal Martina Walls. “It was really to report that we were given a report about some alleged suspicious activity. It was most important to let the adults know about this.”

Walls said that police “received two reports on the same day. Because we have a school resource officer the police contacted him.”

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Walls said Norristown police had stepped up patrols in the area in response to the Monday afternoon police reports. Walls said the parental notification was important because “we are a walking school. I have 530 kids this year.”

Norristown Captain Willie Richet said Friday afternoon, “They saw a guy acting suspiciously. They informed the SRO and he told the principal.”

“The police do not have an accurate description of a suspect,” Richet said. “It is still being investigated. Our detective division is doing the investigating.”

The letter said, “On Monday, October 8, 2012, it was reported by the Norristown Police Department that at approximately 3:10 p.m. there were suspicious vehicles located in the vicinity of Oakwood Street, Selma Street, Hamilton Street and Marshall Street. Parents are asked to please remind students not to approach any strange cars and not to talk with strangers. Students are asked to report any incidents to adults.”

The school letter ended, “Thank you for your cooperation. Please feel free to contact Miss Walls if there are questions.”

Rochelle Culbreath was one school district parent concerned about the police report.

“This is the fourth incident that I’ve received a letter about,” Culbreath said. “There should be more awareness going on. If this has been more than one time there should be a full-press effort by the police and the schools. I have a kid so I’m concerned.”